Trump Repeats CIA gay Claim On Iran’s New Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei

In a Fox News interview, Donald Trump confirmed hearing CIA reports that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is gay, a claim first reported by the New York Post. Trump said the information, if true, would be a “bad start” for Khamenei in Iran, where homosexuality is harshly punished. The remark, delivered with on-air levity, also segued into Trump discussing his claimed popularity among gay voters, using campaign moments like his ‘YMCA’ walk-off as examples.

Trump confirms CIA rumor on live TV

During a phone interview on Fox News’ ‘The Five,’ Donald Trump confirmed that the CIA had told him Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is gay, echoing a March 16 New York Post report. Trump said he had also heard the claim from other sources and remarked that it would be a ‘bad start’ for Khamenei in Iran. The exchange drew laughter from host Greg Gutfeld but a muted response from other panelists, reflecting the sensitivity of the subject in a country where homosexuality is outlawed.

From intelligence chatter to campaign message

Trump used the conversation to highlight what he described as his strong backing from gay voters, claiming no Republican had matched his level of support. He pointed to his use of the Village People’s ‘YMCA,’ which he called the ‘gay national anthem,’ as part of his campaign style. He also criticized governments and groups in the Middle East for anti-gay actions, contrasting their positions with his own public outreach to the community.